Australia’s major sporting leagues are talking loudly about their support for LGBTI inclusion. But with the stands identified as the most homophobic sporting environment, Benedict Brook asks if it’s time to shift the focus from the fields to the fans.

PFLAG spokesperson Shelley Argent has welcomed discussions with three major sporting codes in Queensland and Suncorp Stadium on tackling anti-gay crowd behaviour, but has expressed disappointment in the Brisbane Roar’s “inaction” on addressing homophobia in their Code of Conduct.

In the wake of the gay rugby Bingham Cup-led initiative that saw Australia’s five major sporting codes sign on to the ground breaking Anti-Homophobia and Inclusion Framework, campaigners launch of a major initiative aimed at removing barriers that prevent many trans* and intersex people from taking part in sports.